Results of the LDEF meteoroid and debris special investigation group

摘要: Abstract The Long Duration Exposure Facility was recovered in January, 1990, following 5.7 years of continuous exposure low-Earth orbit. gravity-stabilized nature LDEF permits the resolution flux and trajectories impacting meteoroids spacecraft debris particulates. We have completed collection high-resolution, stereoscopic video imaging all large impact features on entire LDEF, present here preliminary results our efforts to reduce these digitized images, extract critical data. Contrary prior assumption, we find that craters T6 Al alloy are not paraboloid cross section, but rather better described by a 6th-order polynomial curve. explore implications this discovery. detailed crater surveys frame intercostal members, finding unusual local variation frequency. In discussion impactor fluxes derived from apparent directionalities for particulates which accounted current models. briefly describe special database designed used M&D SIG. Finally, list recommendations further analyses will be necessary ensure safe design spacecraft.